Drug Offenses

Attorney for Drug Related Crimes

New Jersey has strict laws against the possession, manufacture, and distribution of drugs, which the law refers to as “controlled dangerous substances” or CDS. At the Law Office of Ronald J. Brandmayr, Jr. in Freehold, we know how to effectively defend against drugs charges and will explore every possible option to limit or eliminate the consequences you face. Offenses relating to CDS can arise out of many different situations and some of the common drug crimes in New Jersey include:

Possession

Possession of paraphernalia

Manufacturing

Trafficking

Possession with the intent to distribute

The possible penalties that come with a drug crime conviction depend on several factors including the type of CDS involved, the amount, and the specific offense alleged. For example, trafficking will generally have more serious consequences than paraphernalia possession, and offenses related to heroin generally have greater penalties than offenses related to marijuana. In addition, the charges and penalties can increase if you are convicted of possessing drugs in a school zone or if you have prior drug-related convictions on your criminal record.

No matter what type of drug charges you face, however, you should never take these charges lightly. Every type of drug crime may result in penalties that can have a significant impact on your finances and your freedom. Having an experienced NJ drug crimes defense lawyer representing you can help to avoid wrongful conviction, protect your constitutional rights, and limit the penalties you face whenever possible. Ronald Brandmayr has represented the rights of numerous defendants in and around Freehold who are facing a variety of drug charges, so please call for a consultation today.

Possession of Marijuana

The charges and penalties you may face for possession of marijuana directly relate to the amount of marijuana that authorities allege you possessed. For example, if you are accused of possessing 50 grams of marijuana or less, you will be charged with a “disorderly person offense,” which is comparable to a misdemeanor in other states. The penalties for a disorderly person offense can include a fine up to $1000 and up to six months in jail.

On the other hand, if the marijuana is more than 50 grams—including 50.1 grams—you could face charges of a crime in the 4th degree. This level of charge can result in a fine of $25,000 and up to 18 months behind bars. As with any type of drug, the penalties can substantially increase if authorities believed you possessed the marijuana with the intent to distribute or sell them.

Possession of Cocaine

Cocaine offenses are treated more harshly than marijuana offenses and possession of any amount is a crime in the 3rd degree, which means up to $35,000 in fines and up to five years’ imprisonment. For higher amounts meant for trafficking or sale, you could face substantially harsher penalties and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. Any offense involving cocaine or similar CDS is extremely serious.

Possession of Prescription Drugs

It is legal to possess and use certain controlled substances if you have a valid prescription from a licensed physician for that substance. However, if you do not have a proper prescription, possessing these drugs can result in serious charges—no matter how widely prescribed a medication may be. If you possess a drug without a prescription or if you sell or distribute your own prescribed drugs without the authority, you could be convicted of a serious crime. Charges may also be issued for forging a prescription, or using an otherwise fraudulent scheme to obtain a prescription. Common prescription drugs involved in crimes include painkillers, sleep aids, anti-anxiety medication, ADHD medication, and sedatives.

The potential penalties are based on the type of prescription drug that is in question though most prescription drug crimes are charged as crimes in the 3rd degree with potential penalties of three to five years in prison and/or a maximum fine of $35,000.

Defense for Drug Offenses

If you are facing any type of drug charges, a skilled defense attorney can assist you in many ways, which include:

Identify and present legal defenses.

Use any violations of your constitutional rights to suppress important evidence.

See if you qualify for any alternative sentencing, such as drug court.

Negotiate a plea bargain.

Represent you at trial.

Call an Experienced New Jersey Drug Defense Attorney for a Consultation

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT DRUG OFFENSES, CONTACT OUR PROFESSIONAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY TODAY!

About Us

The Law Office of Ronald J. Brandmayr, Jr. is known for our meticulous attention to detail and analyzing every factor in your case from beginning to end. There are many options for your particular case. We determine the one with the highest chance of success.